Guardian [Completed]

Seven (Devina)

Things were changing rapidly between Josh and I. The dynamic between us was more relaxed and I was more comfortable around Josh. I no longer minded when he held my hand or placed his arm around my waist.

I didn’t know what it was. Perhaps playing doubles with him against random people at the tennis center helped us bond. Or maybe the fact I was protecting him made me feel protective of him. Or perhaps pretending I was his girlfriend tricked my mind into thinking I actually had feelings for him.

But a discovery I had made after talking with Torin was that Josh reminded me of my baby brother. They were both vibrant and full of life. Like Torin, Josh tried his best to make the most of a bad situation. And like Torin, Josh was emotionally raw and allowed his emotions to guide him.

Their similarities further solidified in my mind as we lay in bed one night. The light had been out for a few minutes when Josh timidly said my name.

“Devina?”

“Yes, Josh?”

“I… I’m scared.”

I rolled over to face him.

“Don’t be. I’m here,” I said.

His face was anguished and he looked like he might cry.

“I know. I just…” he trailed.

I sighed through my nose.

“Come here,” I said, holding my arms open.

Josh scooted over and into my arms, burying his face into the base of my neck. I embraced him and he returned the motion.

“You’ll be fine,” I soothed him, stroking his hair.

“I just can’t help but fear the worst,” he replied.

I knew nothing I said would take away his worry, so for a moment I said nothing.

“The more I learn about you, the more you remind me of Torin,” I said finally.

Josh pulled away and looked up at me with glassy eyes.

“Really?” he asked. He seemed to want it to be true.

I nodded.

“How so?”

“So lively. So smart. So vulnerable. So handsome. Same dark brown hair. Same strong jaw.”

“But I have brown eyes.”

Josh wrinkled his nose as if that fact ruined the comparison. I smiled a little.

“And they are just as pretty,” I complimented.

“No way,” he disagreed. “They aren’t near as beautiful as the green you two have.”

I shook my head.

“Just take a compliment. I don’t give them very often.”

He gave me a small smile.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“You’re welcome,” I whispered back.

He snuggled into me again and I resumed stroking his hair.

“I used to hold him like this,” I said, struggling to keep the emotion out of my voice. “Especially on our first night in a new house.”

There was a brief silence.

“Devina?”

“Yes, Joshua.”

“Tell me about Germany.”